FMU Aviation Program Soars with New Plane Purchase

The Florida Memorial University (FMU) Aviation and Safety Department ushered in a new era of excellence with the purchase of a Cessna 172 SP airplane. The university invited institutional stakeholders and community members to help dedicate the newest addition to the South Florida skies at Miami Executive Aviation in the Opa-Locka Airport.

The U.S. Air Force and the Emil Buehler Perpetual Trust provided grants to underwrite the aircraft. FMU President Henry Lewis III declared, “We are here to serve notice that FMU is a place where dreams also take flight.” He added: “This new airplane allows our students to gain experience on state-of-the-art equipment and provides the greater community with stellar aviation professionals.”

The plane will be used to train students and customers interested in flight lessons. Notable Aviation graduates include Norma Ely, Air Traffic Control Manager at Andrews Air Force, home of Air Force One, and Barrington Irving, the youngest pilot to successfully embark of a solo flight around the world. Irving was on-hand to commemorate the occasion. FMU boasts one of the region’s most exhaustive Aviation and Safety programs. It confers bachelor degrees in Aeronautical Science, Airway Science and Homeland Security. For more information log on to www.FMUniv.edu

From left to right: Barrington Irving, an FMU alumnus and Guinness World Record holder, poises with current FMU Aviation and Safety students.